Friday, February 8, 2013

81st departs for final European exercise

by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the 81st Fighter Squadron takes off Feb. 8, 2013. The 81st FS is participating in REAL THAW 13, and will support the Portuguese military in realistic combat scenarios, including close air support, forward air control, combat search and rescue, air interdiction, maritime air support, and special operations forces integration and support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathanael Callon)Hi-res

REAL THAW is an exercise that tests the Portuguese military's combat capabilities and also incorporates other nations to improve interoperability for contingency operations.

This is the first time Spangdahlem's A-10s have supported this exercise. Some of the scenarios that the 81st will support include close air support, forward air control, combat search and rescue, air interdiction, maritime air support, and special operations forces integration and support.

This will be the last 81st exercise before their inactivation later this year.

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.